Whitmer has started to create some national buzz after starting as somewhat of an unknown recruit, drawing mostly three-star rankings from recruiting services. After a surprising invitation to the highly-selective Elite-11 QB camp, Whitmer impressed many there with his accuracy and mobility. Even with highly-regarded Nathan Sheelhasse coming to campus this fall, Whitmer could push for the starting job. Regardless, Whitmer gives the Illini another great look at QB in the future.

Prater is on the other side of the spectrum, with the Illini vying for the services of arguably the top WR recruit in the country. Illinois will be in a dogfight with recruiting powers Notre Dame, Michigan, Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan State, USC, Oklahoma and Penn State for Prater, but the home-school advantage might give the Illini an edge in landing the next great receiver in Orange and Blue.

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Currently an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois, Jay works as a sports writer for the Daily Illini, an independent student newspaper. He is also branching out into freelance writing and photojournalism. Contact Jay.